The radio scene in New Delhi is in shock after popular radio personality RJ Abhay died suddenly at the weekend.
Reports suggest the 39-year-old drowned while on a trip with friends to the ancient resevoir of Surajkund in Hariyana state.
RJ Abhay, whose real name is Abhay Singh, had just left radio last month to join the New Delhi-based TV news channel News Express.
He began his radio career at Radio One in 2006, followed by stints at Red FM and most recently OYE! FM 104.8.
Abbhay presented the morning show for a time before moving to the afternoon show, according to OYE’s website.
Former employers, fans and friends took to Social Media to express their grief.
Earlier on Monday, the station Tweeted: “Radio ke Sardar – RjAbhay, You will be missed always!!”
Former Red FM colleague RJ Nitin Khurafati had this tribute: “Shocked. RJ Abhay rest in peace dost. My heart goes out to your family. You will always be remembered as a good human.”
Rajesh Ranjan, Station Head of Radio One Delhi told Asia Radio Today: “Radio ka Sardar ‘ as he was fondly called Abhay was a simple, straightforward and extremely joyful personality. Committed to his profession and always eager and enthusiastic to learn and do different things on his show. He started his career with Radio One and in those early days of his life demonstrated dedication and tenacity to achieve more. I think we have lost a very brave and courageous and generous spirited individual.”
Vehrnon Ibrahim, his former boss at OYE FM posted a message of condolence on Facebook saying: “I met RJ Abhay some time late December 2007 and wanted to hire this happy clever man at once… I did but left Red FM before he could join… A few years later I hired him again this time for the morning show… He remains one of Delhi’s most loved RJs… What a loss, so long old friend.”
Read Ibrahim’s full tribute on his blog: http://www.vehrnon.com/rj-abhay/
Producer Hemant Puri Tweeted: “I’m shocked..Few mins ago gt to knw @RJ_ABHAY met with a tragic accident ystrday..RIP my frnd; u will always b rmbd as a good human being.”
Journalist Shariqul Hoda posted: “Shocked to know that RJ Abhay is no more. He met with an accident. My condolence to his family members.”
Radio Mirchi’s RJ Sayema said: “RIP RJ Abhay! Life is so unpredictable. May God give your family all the strength to survive this.”